Apple Watch comes in two screen sizes: 40mm and 44mm. Both are identical in features except for the display size.
In this article, we will compare the two Apple Watch versions to distinguish between them and determine which one you should buy.
Update: Apple released the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch Series 7. You can refer to this guide if you’re looking for the difference between 41mm vs 45mm Apple Watch.
Also read: How to sync Health app with Apple Watch?
| 40mm Apple Watch | 44mm Apple Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 40mm Apple Watch has a screen size slightly bigger than the 38mm Apple Watch version of series 3. If you have tried 38mm size and think it’s too small to work, this version will suit your needs and pocket. | 44mm Apple Watch is the biggest size available to date, replacing the 42mm versions of Apple Watch Series 1 through 3. This model also comes with more variety of official bands. |
| Display | Unlike traditional watches, Apple measures watch case size vertically in series 4,5,6 and SE. The smaller Apple Watch has a height of 40mm and comes with a width of 34mm. It has a display area of 759 sq mm with 394×324 pixels in display size. | Similarly, the larger version of the Apple Watch has a height of 44mm and comes with a width of 38mm. It has a display area of 977 sq mm with 448×368 pixels in display size. Therefore, neither of the sizes would be considered overly wide or high in the traditional watch world. |
| Thickness | Unlike the display size and density of the case, both the Apple Watch, which is 40mm & 44mm, have the same thickness. This is primarily because the watch case has to hold a similar chipset, retina display, battery and sensors. | Unlike the display size and density of the case, both the Apple Watch, which is 40mm & 44mm, have the same thickness. This is primarily because the watch case has to hold a similar chipset, retina display, battery and sensors. |
| Battery Life | 40mm Apple Watch has a smaller battery as compared to 44mm. If battery life is most important to you, then you should consider a 44mm watch size. | 44mm Apple Watch Series 4,5,6, and SE have slightly larger batteries because there is more space to accommodate it in the watch case. |
| Band | Apple has the following band type available for 40mm size: -Modern Buckle -Hermès Single Tour (few colours) -Hermès Double Tour | 44mm Apple watch specifically has the following bands: -Leather Loop -Hermès Single Tour (few colours) -Hermès Single Tour Deployment Buckle However, there are always third party band knock-offs available in every size if you’re looking for any specific band in the case size you want. |
| Price | 40mm Apple Watch is more pocket-friendly. 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 starts from $399, and Apple Watch SE starts from $279. | 44mm Apple Watch is expensive than the 40mm Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 6 starts from $429, and Apple Watch SE starts from $309. |
Also read: How to manage Passcode on Apple Watch?
40mm vs 44mm Apple Watch: Which one should you buy?
If you want the largest display size available in Apple Watch with greater battery life and you have your heart set on a leather loop band, then the 44mm Apple Watch is the right choice.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller wrist and want to don a modern buckle band or simply want to go with the least expensive Apple Watch, then a 40mm Apple Watch will suit your needs.
We recommend you try both versions at the Apple store to get the case size and screen feel. This will also let you know how the watch band looks on your hand. It is always better to test before purchasing an expensive gadget.
Also read: How to unpair Apple Watch?
